Multifunctional cover integrated into sub-panel of portable electronic device

ABSTRACT

A cover for an opening in the housing of a portable electronic device that provides a function in addition to that of protecting the opening from dirt. The cover can be coupled to the housing so that it can move between a closed position within the housing&#39;s surface recess and an open position that allows access to the opening in the housing. In the closed position, the cover becomes part of the housing and the of the device is generally unchanged. The cover can function as an antenna for wireless communication between the device and a network or access point, and it can contain circuitry for devices such as transmitter/receivers. The cover can also function as a display device, a speaker, or an alarm. Thus an existing cover that occupies space within the volume of a handheld device can be utilized for expanding the functionality of the device while generally retaining the current form factor of the device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/644,223, filed Dec. 22, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,551,429 , entitled“Multifunctional Cover Integrated into Sub-Panel of Portable ElectronicDevice” to Hanson et al.; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/794,699, filed Mar. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,154,746; which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/993,732, filed Nov. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,335;all the above applications are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of portable electronicdevices, such as personal digital assistants or palmtop computersystems. Specifically, the present invention relates to expandedfunctionality for a cover over an expansion port in a portableelectronic device.

2. Related Art

A portable computer system, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA)or palmtop, is an electronic device that is small enough to be held inthe hand of a user and is thus “palm-sized.” By virtue of their size,portable computer systems are lightweight and so are exceptionallyportable and convenient.

Wireless technologies are widely used for communication in modernsociety. In addition to personal cordless phones (e.g., cell phones) andpagers, portable computer systems (in particular PDAs) are more commonlybeing equipped with transceivers capable of broadcasting wirelesssignals (e.g., radio signals) over relatively long distances.

Technologies allowing wired connections between devices to be replacedwith wireless ones, such as Bluetooth technology and IEEE Standard802.11b and 802.11a, are becoming increasingly commonplace. Thesewireless communication technologies provide users with greater mobilityand convenience. Mobility and convenience are enhanced as devices suchas cell phones and PDAs are reduced in size. However, even as wirelesscommunications devices are being made smaller and lighter, consumerpreferences are driving manufacturers to further reduce the size andweight of such devices relative to the competition.

Manufacturers are also being driven by consumer preferences to provideportable devices with expanded memory, functionality and features, inorder to enhance user convenience as well as to distinguish theirdevices from competing devices. Accordingly, manufacturers must turn tocreative and innovative approaches to provide added functionality andfeatures without increasing the size and weight of the device, andwithout eliminating existing features.

Thus it is desirable to maintain the form factor of these devices whileexpanding their capabilities. The present invention provides thisadvantage and others not specifically mentioned above but described inthe sections to follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a design for expanding the functionalityof portable electronic devices that will not increase the size or shapeof the device. Specifically, the present invention provides expandedfunctionality to existing covers for openings in portable electronicdevices.

The present invention pertains to a cover for an opening in the housingof an electronic device that performs a function in addition toprotecting the contacts and circuitry contained within the opening inthe device. A surface of the portable electronic device housing (e.g.,the back side or bottom surface) contains a recessed opening withconnectors for expansion devices. The recessed opening is enclosed witha cover to protect the enclosure from dust or dirt that might be harmfulto the connectors and circuitry within the opening. The cover is coupledto the housing in a way that allows the cover to move between a firstand second position or to be removed. Thus the cover, when stored withinthe surface recess, is flush with the portable electronic device housingand becomes part of the housing so that the current form factor (size,shape and appearance) of the electronic device is generally retained.

In one embodiment, the cover is removeably coupled to the housing, andthe cover can be removed from the surface recess of the housing andreplaced in the surface recess of the housing. In another embodiment,the cover is pivotably coupled to the housing, and the cover can bemoved to various positions about the pivot point. In another embodiment,the cover is hingeably coupled to the housing, and the cover can bemoved to various positions about the hinge or joint. In yet anotherembodiment, the cover is slideably coupled to the housing, and the covercan be moved to various positions by sliding it.

In one embodiment, the cover over the opening in the housing contains anantenna that is coupled to a transceiver by a suitable means. In oneembodiment, connectors are contained in the opening in the housing ofthe electronic device for connecting the transceiver or otherappropriate circuitry to the cover. In another embodiment, an expansioncard connects to the device and contains connectors for furtherconnecting to the cover.

In one embodiment, the cover contains a speaker. In another embodiment,the cover illuminates to apprise the user of an awaiting message, forexample. In another embodiment, the cover vibrates for alerting the userof an awaiting message. In another embodiment, the cover contains anexternal display such as a date and time display. In yet anotherembodiment, the cover has an external connector for accepting additionalexpansion capability.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, covers overopenings in electronic devices can be utilized for additionalfunctionality. In addition, by using covers in this manner, the formfactor (size, shape and appearance) of existing hand-held devices can beretained. These and other objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the artafter having read the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a topside perspective view of a portable electronic device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom side perspective view of the portable electronicdevice of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the electronic device of FIG. 3 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a port cover containing an antenna and a printedcircuit board according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a port cover containing a display device accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C illustrates a port cover as a speaker according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5D illustrates a port cover as a vibrating alarm according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5E illustrates a port cover as an illuminating alarm according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5F illustrates a port cover with an expansion port according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the electronic device of FIG. 3illustrating the cover connected to the electronic device through anexpansion card in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded back side perspective view of a portableelectronic device with an edge opening and cover in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognizedby one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits havenot been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofthe present invention.

The present invention is described primarily in the context of aportable computer system, often times referred to as a palm top,handheld or personal digital assistant. However, it is understood thatthe present invention is not limited to implementation in portablecomputer systems, but can also be implemented in other portableelectronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, global positioningsystem devices, and the like. Indeed, aspects of the present inventioncan be implemented in any device, including desktop computer systems, inwhich it is necessary or desirable to maintain a certain form factorwhile introducing additional functionality.

Exemplary Portable Computer System with Multifunctional Port Cover

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a portable computersystem 100 upon which embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented. Portable computer system 100 includes an address/data bus150 for communicating information, a central processor 101 coupled withthe bus for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory102 (e.g., random access memory, RAM) coupled with the bus 150 forstoring information and instructions for the central processor 101 and anon-volatile memory 103 (e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with thebus 150 for storing static information and instructions for theprocessor 101. Computer system 100 also includes an optional datastorage device 104 (e.g., memory stick) coupled with the bus 150 forstoring information and instructions. Device 104 can be removable. Asdescribed above, computer system 100 also contains a display device 105coupled to the bus 150 for displaying information to the computer user.

With reference still to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, computer system 100also includes an optional signal transmitter/receiver device 108, whichis coupled to bus 150 for providing a physical communication linkbetween computer system 100, and a network environment. As such, signaltransmitter/receiver device 108 enables central processor unit 101 tocommunicate wirelessly with other electronic systems coupled to anetwork.

In one embodiment, computer system 100 also includes an optionalexpansion port for use with various types of expansion cards. Theexpansion cards perform a variety of functions, depending upon thecircuits that they contain. The expansion port 410 is usually embodiedas an opening in the housing of computer system 100 with a cover 85which is attached to the housing and which can be opened or removed toreplace the expansion card. The function of the cover 85 is to protectthe card and connectors that it covers from dust and dirt which could beharmful to the enclosed circuitry.

It should be appreciated that within one embodiment of the presentinvention, signal input/output communications device 108 is atransmitter/receiver (transceiver) that is coupled through bus 150 tocover 85. In one embodiment, cover 85 functions as an antenna thatprovides the functionality to transmit and receive information over awireless communication interface. Cover 85 can, in other embodiments,function with the processor through bus 150 to generate alarms, functionas a speaker, and display information.

Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 1 is an optionalalphanumeric input device 106 that in one implementation is ahandwriting recognition pad. Alphanumeric input device 106 cancommunicate information and command selections to processor 101.Computer system 100 also includes an optional cursor control ordirecting device (on-screen cursor control 107) coupled to bus 150 forcommunicating user input information and command selections to processor101.

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the top face 100 a of oneembodiment of the palmtop computer system 100 of the present invention.The top face 100 a contains a display screen 105 surrounded by a bezelor cover. A removable stylus 80 is also shown. In this embodiment, topface 100 a is formed with a recess 24 for holding stylus 80.

The display screen 105 is a touch screen able to register contactbetween the screen and the tip of the stylus 80. The stylus 80 can be ofany material to make contact with the screen 105. The top face 100 aalso contains one or more dedicated and/or programmable buttons 75 forselecting information and causing the computer system to implementfunctions. The on/off button 95 is also shown.

FIG. 2 also illustrates a handwriting recognition pad or “digitizer”containing two regions 106 a and 106 b. Region 106 a is for the drawingof alphabetic characters therein (and not for numeric characters) forautomatic recognition, and region 106 b is for the drawing of numericcharacters therein (and not for alphabetic characters) for automaticrecognition. The stylus 80 is used for stroking a character within oneof the regions 106 a and 106 b. The stroke information is then fed to aninternal processor for automatic character recognition. Once charactersare recognized, they are typically displayed on the screen 105 forverification and/or modification.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom side 100 b of one embodiment of thepalmtop computer system 100 that can be used in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention. A communication interface 180 isalso shown. In one embodiment of the present invention, thecommunication interface 180 is a serial communication port, but couldalso alternatively be of any of a number of well-known communicationstandards and protocols, e.g., parallel, SCSI (small computer systeminterface), Firewire (IEEE 1394), Ethernet, etc. Also shown is a batterystorage compartment door 90.

In the present embodiment, portable computer system 100 includes anexpansion port 410 with a cover 85. In accordance with the presentinvention, cover 85 is coupled to the housing so that it can be moved orremoved in order to access the expansion port beneath. As will be seen,cover 85 can also be implemented in other types of electronic devices inaccordance with the present invention.

In FIG. 3, cover 85 is shown in the closed position. In the closedposition, cover 85 is located within a recess 84 that is formed in thehousing 87 of portable computer system 100. Recess 84 is of a size andshape to accommodate cover 85, such that cover 85 fits into recess 84and does not protrude from housing 87. That is, cover 85 is flush withhousing 87, such that the profile of housing 87 is not changed whencover 85 is in the closed position. Although cover 85 is illustrated asa rectangular shape in FIG. 3, it is appreciated that cover 85 is notlimited to this shape. Also, recess 84 and cover 85 can be approximatelythe same size and shape, or they can be of different sizes and shapesprovided that cover 85 fits within recess 84 when in the closedposition. Thus, the current form factor (size, shape and appearance) ofthe hand-held device (e.g., portable computer system 100) is generallyretained.

Still referring to FIG. 3, multifunctional cover 85 is coupled to thehousing 87 in a way that allows the cover 85 to move between a first(closed) and a second (open) position. In one embodiment, cover 85 ishingeably coupled to the housing 87 using a hinge joint 83. In thisembodiment, cover 85 can be rotated about hinge or joint 83 to a closedor open position. In a similar fashion, cover 85 can be hingeablycoupled to housing 87 by pins 82 a and 82 b; in this embodiment, cover85 can be rotated about pins 82 a and 82 b to a closed or open position.Pins 82 a and 82 b can also serve to provide an electrical connectionbetween cover 85 and portable computer system 100.

In another embodiment, cover 85 of FIG. 3 can be pivotably coupled tohousing 87 by a single pin (e.g., pin 82 a) or by some other means thatfunctions in a similar fashion. In this embodiment, cover 85 can bepivoted about the pivot point (e.g., pin 82 a) to a stored or deployedposition. In another embodiment, cover 85 is slideably coupled to thehousing 87. In this embodiment, cover 85 is slid to a closed or openposition along guides formed within recess 84.

In yet another embodiment, cover 85 is removeably coupled to the housing87. For example, cover 85 can be slid along guides formed within therecess 84 and removed from housing 87 to allow maximum access to theexpansion port 410.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the bottom side 100 b of thepalmtop computer device of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment. Inthis embodiment the housing 87 of the palmtop computer device containsan opening 410 which contains contacts 420 which are coupled to bus 150of computer system 100 of FIG. 1. The opening 410 accommodates a cover85. The topside of the cover 85, according to one embodiment, is of thesame material as the housing 87 and, when in the closed position, formspart of the housing 87.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the bottom side 430 of the cover 85 containstracings for circuitry 440 and contacts 450 for connecting with contacts420 and for connecting with bus 150 of computer system 100 of FIG. 1.The circuitry in this embodiment could be that of an antenna forcommunicating with a transceiver for access to a wireless network or toother radio signals.

FIGS. 5A-5F and 6 are perspective drawings showing various embodimentsof the present invention. Although the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5F and 6are separately described in order to more clearly illustrate certainaspects of the present invention, it is appreciated that combinations ofthese embodiments may also be used. For example, functions shown inFIGS. 5A-5F and 6 as being performed separately may be combined.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a bottom view of cover 85, according to oneembodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. The bottom side 430of cover 85, according to this embodiment, contains a component 510 suchas an integrated circuit (ICU) containing circuitry (e.g.,transmitter/receiver device circuitry) for supporting the particularfunction being performed by cover 85. Also illustrated is an antenna 520for coupling to component 510 for wireless communication.

FIG. 5B illustrates a view showing the external surface of cover 85. Inthis embodiment, cover 85, in concert with circuitry as illustrated bycomponent 510 of FIG. 5A, functions as a display device 530. Although inthis implementation the display device 530 is illustrated as a digitalclock, it is appreciated that display device 530 is not limited to thisfunction, but can assume the functionality as defined by the PCB 510 anda preconfigured display.

FIG. 5C illustrates a view showing the external surface of cover 85. Inthis embodiment, cover 85 functions as a speaker 540. In thisimplementation, a speaker 540 is contained within the cover 85 forconverting radio signals or digital signals to sound.

FIG. 5D illustrates a view showing the external surface of cover 85. Inthis embodiment, cover 85 functions as a vibrating alarm. According tothe present implementation, upon receiving an alarm signal from aprocessor, cover 85 vibrates 550 to alert a user that an alarm messageawaits. This alarm vibration 550 could be in response to a user presettime alarm, a battery-low alarm, or any of a multitude of alarms forwhich the processor is preconfigured to signal.

Referring to FIG. 5E, a view showing the external surface of cover 85 ispresented. In this embodiment, cover 85 is illustrated as anilluminating alarm device. According to the present embodiment, anilluminating panel 560 is contained within the topside of cover 85. Uponreceiving an alarm signal, the circuitry contained within the component510 of FIG. 5A would cause the illumination of panel 560 for alerting auser of an alarm message.

FIG. 5F illustrates a view showing the external surface of cover 85. Inthis embodiment, cover 85 contains an expansion port 570 for coupling toan external expansion device or card.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the bottom view 100 b of the palm topcomputer device 100 of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the housing 87 of the palmtopcomputer device 100 contains an opening 410 which contains contacts 610which are coupled to bus 150 of computer system 100 of FIG. 1. Theopening 410 accommodates one or more expansion cards 620 and a removablecover 85 according to the present embodiment. The topside (externalsurface) of the cover 85, according to one embodiment, is of the samematerial as the housing 87 and, when in the closed position, forms partof the housing 87.

The contacts 610 are for receiving one or more cards 620 such as, butnot limited to, memory expansion cards, Secure Identity Module (SIM)cards or I/O cards (e.g., Bluetooth cards or IEEE 802.11 cards). Card620 has contacts 420 that connect to contacts 440 on the backside 425(internal surface) of cover 85. According to one embodiment, card 620 isa radio-signal-range wireless transceiver such as a Bluetooth or IEEE802.11b, and the circuitry 450 in the cover 85 contains an antenna ofthe appropriate impedance for the frequency of the device of card 620.In another embodiment, card 620 is an IEEE 802.11a card and the cover 85contains an antenna of required impedance for the frequency of the IEEE802.11a card. According to one embodiment, the cover 85 is removable andcan be replaced by a cover 85 of the same dimensions but havingdifferent functionality. In order to distinguish the functionality of aremovable cover 85, according to one embodiment, the cover 85 is colorcoded to delineate functionality.

It is appreciated that the present invention is not limited to functionsillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5F and 6. Furthermore, it is appreciated thatthe functions described above may be performed by cover 85 independentlyof portable computer system 100 or in combination with portable computersystem 100. For example, returning back to FIG. 5B, cover 85 may receivea clock signal from portable computer system 100, or cover 85 maycomprise its own clock.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a handheld electronicdevice 700 is shown, according to another embodiment of the presentinvention. Device 700 is contained in housing 710. At the edge ofhousing 710 is an expansion port 720 containing connectors 750 andcontacts 760. There is a removable cover 730 which has a smallprotrusion 740 and contacts 770 which connect to contacts 760 within theexpansion port 720 to hold the cover in place when in the closedposition. Contacts 760 also connect to the bus of device 700. The cover730 and protrusion 740 are of the same material as the housing 710 andfit flush with the housing 710 when in the closed position. In thisembodiment, the cover 730 contains an antenna within the protrusion 740that connects to the bus of device 700 through contacts 770 when in theclosed position.

The present invention, a cover for an opening in the housing of aportable electronic device that provides a function in addition to thatof protecting the opening from dirt, has the advantage of expandedfunctionality without appreciably altering the form factor of thedevice. The cover can be removed, according to one embodiment, and canbe interchanged with another cover of the same dimensions but withdifferent functionality. For example, a device having a Bluetoothtransceiver and a cover functioning as a Bluetooth-compatible antennacould have the transceiver changed to IEEE 802.11a and the cover couldeasily be replaced with one that functions as an IEEE 802.11a-compatibleantenna. A cover that functions as a vibrating alarm could easily bereplaced with one that includes a digital clock display. The covers canhave multiple functions. In one example, a cover functioning as anantenna could also contain the circuitry for a transceiver. In anotherexample, a cover functioning as a speaker could also vibrate to issue analarm. In order to differentiate the functionality of the covers, theycan be coloring coded, silk screened with identifying labels orotherwise labeled for identification of functionality.

Thus, the present invention provides a design for expanding thefunctionality of portable electronic devices that will not increase thesize or shape of the device. Specifically, the present inventionprovides expanded functionality to existing covers for openings inportable electronic devices.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronicperipheral device integrated into an expansion port cover of a portableelectronic device, is thus described. While the present invention hasbeen described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention should not be construed as limited by suchembodiments, but rather construed according to the below claims.

1. An electronic device comprising: a housing; a bus disposed withinsaid housing; a processor disposed within said housing and coupled tosaid bus; an interior connector coupled to said bus, said interiorconnector being positioned on a back side of said electronic device tomate with another connector that is received from said back side of saidelectronic device; and a cover that is coupleable to said interiorconnector, said cover being structured to form a portion of said housingso that a surface of said housing that adjoins said cover is flush inorder to maintain a size or shape of said housing, wherein said cover isconfigured to enclose said interior connector, and wherein said coverincludes circuitry to enable said electronic device to receive an inputfrom an external accessory or device in contact with an external surfaceof said cover.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said coveris further configured to enclose a Secure Digital (SD) memory cardwithin said housing.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein saidcover is further configured to couple an antenna to a transceiver ofsaid electronic device.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinsaid cover is removeably coupleable to said housing.
 5. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein said cover includes a vibration motor forsilently alerting a user of an awaiting message.
 6. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein said cover includes a mobile phonetransceiver.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said coverincludes a wireless network communication device.
 8. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein said cover includes a wired communicationsmodem.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said cover includesa Bluetooth transceiver.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinsaid cover includes a global positioning system (GPS) unit.
 11. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein said cover includes a receiver forterrestrial commercial broadcast radio.
 12. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said cover includes a receiver for space-basedcommercial broadcast radio.
 13. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein said cover is pivotably coupled to said housing.
 14. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein said cover is slideably coupled tosaid housing.
 15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein said coveris hingeably coupled to said housing.
 16. The electronic device of claim1, wherein said cover includes a speaker.
 17. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein said cover includes an illuminating panel, wherein theilluminating panel illuminates for alerting a user of an awaitingmessage.